U.S. patent application number 16/883093 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-10 for cushioning article with tensile component and method of manufacturing a cushioning article.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKE, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Page J. Bailey, Jeremy L. Connell, Jason R. Meeker.
Application Number | 20200281316 16/883093 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004856703 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200281316 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bailey; Page J. ; et
al. |
September 10, 2020 |
CUSHIONING ARTICLE WITH TENSILE COMPONENT AND METHOD OF
MANUFACTURING A CUSHIONING ARTICLE
Abstract
A cushioning article comprises a first and a second polymeric
sheet bonded to one another and enclosing an interior cavity. The
polymeric sheets retain a gas in the interior cavity. A tensile
component disposed in the interior cavity includes a first tensile
layer, a second tensile layer, and a plurality of tethers spanning
the interior cavity and connecting the first tensile layer to the
second tensile layer. An inwardly-protruding bond joins the first
polymeric sheet to the first tensile layer, protrudes inward from
the first polymeric sheet toward the second polymeric sheet, and
partially traverses the plurality of tethers. The first polymeric
sheet is displaced from the first tensile layer adjacent to the
inwardly-protruding bond by the gas. A method of manufacturing a
cushioning article is disclosed.
Inventors: |
Bailey; Page J.; (Portland,
OR) ; Connell; Jeremy L.; (Hillsboro, OR) ;
Meeker; Jason R.; (Hillsboro, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NIKE, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
1000004856703 |
Appl. No.: |
16/883093 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15982749 |
May 17, 2018 |
10694814 |
|
|
16883093 |
|
|
|
|
62508044 |
May 18, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29K 2995/0067 20130101;
B29D 35/122 20130101; B29K 2023/086 20130101; A43B 13/181 20130101;
A43B 9/12 20130101; B32B 7/05 20190101; B32B 27/40 20130101; A43B
17/006 20130101; B32B 2307/7242 20130101; B29K 2075/00 20130101;
A43B 13/04 20130101; A43B 1/0009 20130101; B29D 35/142 20130101;
B32B 2437/02 20130101; B32B 27/306 20130101; B32B 27/08 20130101;
B32B 3/12 20130101; A43B 13/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/20 20060101
A43B013/20; A43B 13/04 20060101 A43B013/04; A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18; A43B 9/12 20060101 A43B009/12; B32B 3/12 20060101
B32B003/12; B32B 27/40 20060101 B32B027/40; B32B 27/30 20060101
B32B027/30; B32B 27/08 20060101 B32B027/08; B29D 35/14 20060101
B29D035/14; A43B 1/00 20060101 A43B001/00; B32B 7/05 20060101
B32B007/05; B29D 35/12 20060101 B29D035/12; A43B 17/00 20060101
A43B017/00 |
Claims
1. A method of manufacturing a cushioning article, the method
comprising: disposing anti-weld material on at least one of an
inner surface of a first polymeric sheet and an outer surface of a
first tensile layer of a tensile component; wherein the tensile
component includes the first tensile layer, a second tensile layer,
and a plurality of tethers connecting the first tensile layer to
the second tensile layer; conforming the first polymeric sheet and
a second polymeric sheet to components of a mold, said conforming
depressing the first polymeric sheet toward the second polymeric
sheet at protrusions of the mold arranged in closed shapes and with
the protrusions directly outward of the plurality of tethers;
thermally bonding the first tensile layer to the first polymeric
sheet and the second tensile layer to the second polymeric sheet
opposite the first tensile layer; wherein said thermally bonding
produces a plurality of bonds at the protrusions that joins the
first polymeric sheet to the first tensile layer and partially
traverses the plurality of tethers, the plurality of bonds
protruding toward the second polymeric sheet and spaced apart from
the second tensile layer and the second polymeric sheet; wherein
portions of the first polymeric sheet surrounded by the plurality
of bonds forming the closed shapes are separated from the first
tensile layer due to the anti-weld material and are displaceable
from the first tensile layer.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: bonding the first
polymeric sheet to the second polymeric sheet at a peripheral bond
such that the first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet
at least partially enclose an interior cavity containing the
tensile component, the plurality of tethers span across the
interior cavity from the first tensile layer to the second tensile
layer, the plurality of bonds protruding inward such that the
interior cavity is narrowed at the plurality of bonds.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: inflating and sealing
the interior cavity; wherein said inflating lifts the portions of
the first polymeric sheet surrounded by the plurality of bonds
forming the closed shapes away from the first tensile layer to form
a plurality of domed portions, and tensions the plurality of
tethers at the plurality of bonds to create a plurality of grooves
in an outer surface of the first polymeric sheet at the plurality
of bonds, thereby articulating the cushioning article.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the plurality of bonds are linear
bonds arranged in closed polygonal shapes each surrounding a
different one of the domed portions.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein cushioning article is a footwear
sole structure, and the closed polygonal shapes of the linear bonds
surrounding three consecutive ones of the domed portions are
arranged so that each includes a linear bond aligned with a flexion
axis of the footwear sole structure.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the closed polygonal shapes of
the linear bonds surrounding the three consecutive ones of the
domed portions are pentagons.
7. The method of claim 3, wherein: the first tensile layer is
spaced apart from the second tensile layer by a first distance at
the domed portions; the plurality of bonds are spaced apart from
the second tensile layer by a second distance; and the second
distance is between 50 percent and 80 percent of the first
distance.
8. The method of claim 3, wherein: the plurality of tethers
includes tethers aligned with the plurality of bonds and tethers
displaced from the plurality of bonds; and the tethers aligned with
the plurality of bonds are shorter, thicker, or both shorter and
thicker than the tethers displaced from the plurality of bonds.
9. The method of claim 2, wherein the components of the mold
include a first mold portion and a second mold portion, at least
one of the first mold portion and the second mold portion is
translatable relative to the other of the first mold portion and
the second mold portion between an open position and a closed
position; and said bonding the first polymeric sheet and the second
polymeric sheet at the peripheral bond includes compressing the
first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet between the
first mold portion and the second mold portion in the closed
position.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the mold includes a mold portion
and a mold insert, and the method further comprising: prior to said
conforming, securing the mold insert to the mold portion, and
wherein the mold insert has the protrusions.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the mold insert is a first mold
insert, the protrusions are a first plurality of protrusions, the
mold portion is a first mold portion, the plurality of bonds is a
first plurality of bonds, and further comprising: securing a second
mold insert to a second mold portion of the mold; wherein the
second mold insert has a second plurality of protrusions directly
opposite the first plurality of protrusions and outward of the
plurality of tethers; and wherein said conforming and said
thermally bonding produces a second plurality of bonds at the
second plurality of protrusions partially traversing the tensile
component directly opposite the first plurality of bonds, the
second plurality of bonds protruding toward the first plurality of
bonds and the first polymeric sheet, and spaced apart from the
first plurality of bonds, the first tensile layer, and the first
polymeric sheet.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the cushioning article is a
first cushioning article, the protrusions are a first plurality of
protrusions, the first plurality of bonds has a first bond pattern,
and the method further comprising manufacturing a second cushioning
article by: removing the mold insert from the mold portion;
securing a second mold insert having a second plurality of
protrusions to the mold portion, wherein the second plurality of
protrusions is shaped, dimensioned, or positioned differently than
the first plurality of protrusions; and conforming a subsequent
first polymeric sheet and a subsequent second polymeric sheet to
the second mold insert and to another one of the components of the
mold, respectively, with a subsequent tensile component between the
subsequent first polymeric sheet and the subsequent second
polymeric sheet; wherein said conforming depresses the subsequent
first polymeric sheet toward the subsequent second polymeric sheet
at the second plurality of protrusions, with the second plurality
of protrusions directly outward of the subsequent tensile
component, thereby producing a second plurality of bonds at the
second plurality of protrusions partially traversing the subsequent
tensile component, the mold thus providing the second cushioning
article with a different bond pattern than the first bond pattern
of the first cushioning article due to the second mold insert.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein said conforming the first
polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet to components of the
mold is by vacuum, compression, or both; and wherein said thermal
bonding includes at least one of: heating the first polymeric sheet
and the second polymeric sheet; heating the components of the mold;
or radio frequency welding.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Nonprovisional
application Ser. No. 15/982,749 filed on May 17, 2018, which claims
the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/508,044 filed on May 18, 2017, and both of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present teachings generally include a cushioning article
having a tensile component, and a method of manufacturing the
cushioning article with an inwardly-protruding bond.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A cushioning article, such as a sole component of an article
of footwear, is typically configured to provide cushioning, motion
control, and/or resilience. Some cushioning articles utilize a
sealed interior cavity filled with a gas that resiliently reacts a
compressive load. A tensile component may be disposed in the
interior cavity, and may limit the outward expansion of the
cushioning article.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration in plan view of a
cushioning article in accordance with the present teachings.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration in bottom view of the
cushioning article of FIG. 1.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration in cross-sectional view
of the cushioning article of FIG. 1, taken at lines 3-3 in FIG.
1.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration in close-up
cross-sectional view of a portion of the cushioning article of FIG.
3.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration in close-up
cross-sectional view of the cushioning article of FIG. 4 under
loading in a first stage of compression.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration in close-up
cross-sectional view of the cushioning article of FIG. 4 under
loading in a second stage of compression.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration in close-up
cross-sectional view of the cushioning article of FIG. 4 under
loading in a third stage of compression.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration in cross-sectional view
of the cushioning article of FIG. 1, taken at lines 8-8 in FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration in medial side view of an
article of footwear with a sole structure that includes the
cushioning article of FIG. 1, indicated in hidden lines.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration in plan view of a
cushioning article in accordance with an alternative aspect of the
present teachings.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration in bottom view of the
cushioning article of FIG. 10.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration in fragmentary
cross-sectional view of the cushioning article of FIG. 10, taken at
lines 12-12 in FIG. 10.
[0016] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration in medial side view of
the cushioning article of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration in medial side view of
the cushioning article of FIG. 10.
[0018] FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration in exploded
cross-sectional view of components of the cushioning article of
FIG. 1 and a mold used in manufacturing the cushioning article.
[0019] FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of the components of the
cushioning article of FIG. 1 in the mold of FIG. 16, with the mold
in a closed position.
[0020] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective illustration of a mold
portion for manufacturing cushioning components.
[0021] FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective illustration of the mold
portion of FIG. 17 with a first mold insert secured to the mold
portion.
[0022] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective illustration of a second
mold insert for use with the mold portion of FIG. 17.
[0023] FIG. 20 is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a
cushioning article.
[0024] FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration in plan view of a
cushioning article in accordance with an alternative aspect of the
present teachings.
[0025] FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration in bottom view of the
cushioning article of FIG. 21.
[0026] FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration in cross-sectional view
of the cushioning article of FIG. 21, taken at lines 23-23 in FIG.
21.
[0027] FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration in medial side view of
the cushioning article of FIG. 21.
DESCRIPTION
[0028] A cushioning article comprises a bladder enclosing an
interior cavity and retaining a gas in the interior cavity. A
tensile component is disposed in the interior cavity and includes
tensile layers and a plurality of tethers connecting the tensile
layers. The tensile layers are connected to an inner surface of the
bladder such that the tethers span across the interior cavity. The
bladder has a plurality of bonds arranged in closed shapes
surrounding domed portions of the bladder. The plurality of bonds
bond the inner surface of the bladder to the tensile component. The
domed portions of the bladder are unbonded to the tensile component
and are therefore displaced from the tensile component by the
gas.
[0029] In one or more embodiments, the bladder comprises a first
polymeric sheet and a second polymeric sheet bonded to one another
at a peripheral flange and enclosing the interior cavity. The
tensile layers include a first tensile layer connected to the first
polymeric sheet and a second tensile layer connected to the second
polymeric sheet. At least one of the first polymeric sheet and the
second polymeric sheet includes the domed portions.
[0030] The plurality of bonds may protrude inward into the interior
cavity and partially traverse the plurality of tethers such that
the bladder is narrowed at the plurality of bonds. When an
inflation pressure of the gas in the interior cavity is sufficient
to tension the plurality of tethers, the plurality of bonds defines
grooves at an outer surface of the bladder such that the cushioning
article is articulated along the grooves.
[0031] The plurality of bonds may be a first plurality of bonds in
a first region of the bladder, and the bladder may have a second
plurality of bonds arranged in closed shapes in a second region of
the bladder. Portions of the bladder surrounded by the closed
shapes in the second region may be bonded to the tensile
component.
[0032] The cushioning article may be for a variety of applications,
such as but not limited to a sole component of an article of
footwear. In such an embodiment, the first region may be on a
distal side of the bladder (i.e., a ground contact side), and the
second region may be on a proximal side of the bladder (i.e., a
foot-facing side). In other embodiments, the first region and the
second region are both on a distal side of the bladder or are both
on a proximal side of the bladder. In still other embodiments, the
plurality of bonds are a first plurality of bonds in a first region
of the bladder, and the bladder has a second plurality of bonds
arranged in closed shapes in a second region of the bladder.
Portions of the bladder surrounded by the closed shapes in the
second region are unbonded to the tensile component and form domed
portions that are displaced from the tensile component by the gas.
For example, both the proximal side and the distal side of the
cushioning article may have the domed portions.
[0033] A cushioning article comprises a first polymeric sheet and a
second polymeric sheet bonded to one another and enclosing an
interior cavity. The first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric
sheet retain a gas in the interior cavity. A tensile component is
disposed in the interior cavity. The tensile component includes a
first tensile layer, a second tensile layer, and a plurality of
tethers spanning the interior cavity from the first tensile layer
to the second tensile layer and connecting the first tensile layer
to the second tensile layer. An inwardly-protruding bond joins the
first polymeric sheet to the first tensile layer, protrudes inward
from the first polymeric sheet toward the second polymeric sheet,
and partially traverses the plurality of tethers. The first
polymeric sheet is displaced from the first tensile layer adjacent
to the inwardly-protruding bond by the gas. The inwardly-protruding
bond is spaced apart from the second polymeric sheet such that the
interior cavity is narrowed at the inwardly-protruding bond and the
gas in the interior cavity fluidly communicates across the
inwardly-protruding bond. Accordingly, the consistency and
responsiveness of tethers in returning the interior cavity to its
original shape following a dynamic compressive load is combined
with staged cushioning, and the flexibility of an articulated
cushioning component, with articulation occurring in alignment with
the tethers traversed by the inwardly-protruding bond.
[0034] In one or more embodiments, the cushioning article is a sole
component for an article of footwear, and the inwardly-protruding
bond establishes a flexion axis of the sole component. Accordingly,
the cushioning component may be articulated at the
inwardly-protruding bond, and the flexion axes may be aligned with
desired flexion regions of a foot, for example, such as the
metatarsal-phalangeal joints.
[0035] In one or more embodiments, a portion of the interior cavity
at a first side of the inwardly-protruding bond is in fluid
communication with a portion of the interior cavity at a second
side of the inwardly-protruding bond, with the second side opposite
of the first side. The gas in the interior cavity can thus be
displaced across the inwardly-protruding bond, such as during a
foot strike or foot roll of an article of footwear when the
cushioning article is included in a sole structure.
[0036] In one or more embodiments, an inflation pressure of the gas
in the interior cavity is sufficient to tension the plurality of
tethers at the inwardly-protruding bond, and the
inwardly-protruding bond defines a groove at an outer surface of
the first polymeric sheet such that the cushioning article is
divided into a first article portion on one side of the groove and
a second article portion on the other side of the groove, and the
first article portion is articulated relative to the second article
portion along the groove.
[0037] In one or more embodiments, the first tensile layer is
spaced apart from the second tensile layer by a first distance at a
location adjacent to the inwardly-protruding bond, and the
inwardly-protruding bond is spaced apart from the second tensile
layer by a second distance. The second distance is between 50
percent and 80 percent of the first distance. Narrowing of the
interior cavity by this ratio may provide an optimal range of
articulation that contributes to flexibility of the cushioning
article.
[0038] Because the inwardly-protruding bond at least partially
traverses the plurality of tethers, in one or more embodiments, the
plurality of tethers includes tethers aligned with the
inwardly-protruding bond and tethers displaced from the
inwardly-protruding bond. The tethers aligned with the
inwardly-protruding bond are shorter, thicker, or both shorter and
thicker than the tethers displaced from the inwardly-protruding
bond. The tethers are originally all of the same length and width
prior to manufacturing the cushioning article and establishing the
inwardly-protruding bond. The deformation of the tethers that
occurs during manufacturing at the inwardly-protruding bond
contributes to the articulation and flexibility of the cushioning
article.
[0039] In one or more embodiments, the inwardly-protruding bond
defines a closed shape surrounding a portion of the first polymeric
sheet displaced from the first tensile layer such that the portion
of the first polymeric sheet has a domed surface extending away
from the first tensile layer.
[0040] In some embodiments, the second polymeric sheet is recessed
inward toward the inwardly-protruding bond of the first polymeric
sheet when the interior cavity is inflated. In other embodiments,
the second polymeric sheet also has inwardly-protruding bonds.
[0041] In some embodiments, the inwardly-protruding bond may be a
first inwardly-protruding bond, the portion of the first polymeric
sheet surrounded by the closed shape is a first portion of the
first polymeric sheet in a first region of the first polymeric
sheet, an inner surface of a second portion of the first polymeric
sheet in a second region of the first polymeric sheet spaced apart
from the first region is bonded to an outer surface of the first
tensile layer; and the cushioning article may further comprise a
second inwardly-protruding bond that joins the first polymeric
sheet to the first tensile layer and protrudes from the first
polymeric sheet toward the second polymeric sheet in the second
region and partially traverses the tensile component. The second
inwardly-protruding bond may be spaced apart from the second
polymeric sheet such that the interior cavity is narrowed at the
second inwardly-protruding bond and the gas in the interior cavity
fluidly communicates across the second inwardly-protruding
bond.
[0042] A method of manufacturing a cushioning article comprises
disposing anti-weld material on at least one of an inner surface of
a first polymeric sheet and an outer surface of a first tensile
layer of a tensile component. The tensile component includes the
first tensile layer, a second tensile layer, and a plurality of
tethers connecting the first tensile layer to the second tensile
layer. The method further comprises conforming the first polymeric
sheet and a second polymeric sheet to components of a mold.
Conforming the first polymeric sheet in this manner depresses the
first polymeric sheet toward the second polymeric sheet at
protrusions of the mold arranged in closed shapes and with the
protrusion directly outward of the plurality of tethers. The method
further comprises thermally bonding the first tensile layer to the
first polymeric sheet and the second tensile layer to the second
polymeric sheet opposite the first tensile layer. Thermally bonding
the tensile layers to the polymeric sheets in this manner produces
a plurality of bonds at the protrusion that joins the first
polymeric sheet to the first tensile layer and partially traverses
the plurality of tethers. The plurality of bonds protrude toward
the second polymeric sheet and are spaced apart from the second
tensile layer and the second polymeric sheet. The first polymeric
sheet is separated from the first tensile layer adjacent to the
inwardly-protruding bonds due to the anti-weld material such that
portions of the first polymeric sheet surrounded by the plurality
of bonds forming the closed shapes are displaceable from the first
tensile layer. For example, when inflated, a portion of the first
polymeric surrounded by bonds forming a closed shape forms a domed
surface.
[0043] In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises
bonding the first polymeric sheet to the second polymeric sheet at
a peripheral bond such that the first polymeric sheet and the
second polymeric sheet at least partially enclose an interior
cavity containing the tensile component. The plurality of tethers
span across the interior cavity from the first tensile layer to the
second tensile layer. The plurality of bonds protrudes inward such
that the interior cavity is narrowed at the inwardly-protruding
bond.
[0044] In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises
inflating and sealing the interior cavity. Inflating the interior
cavity in this manner lifts the portions of the first polymeric
sheet surrounded by the closed shapes away from the tensile
component to form the domed portions, and tensions the plurality of
tethers at the plurality of bonds to creates a plurality of grooves
in an outer surface of the first polymeric sheet at the plurality
of bonds, thereby articulating the cushioning article. For example,
the cushioning article may be a sole component for an article of
footwear, and the groove may establish a flexion axis of the sole
component.
[0045] In one or more embodiments, the components of the mold
include a first mold portion and a second mold portion. At least
one of the first mold portion and the second mold portion is
translatable relative to the other of the first mold portion and
the second mold portion between an open position and a closed
position. Bonding the first polymeric sheet and the second
polymeric sheet at the peripheral bond includes compressing the
first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet between the
first mold portion and the second mold portion in the closed
position.
[0046] In one or more embodiments, the mold component having the
plurality of protrusions is one of the first mold portion and the
second mold portion. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the mold
component having the plurality of protrusions is a mold insert.
This enables the bond pattern of the cushioning articles
manufactured according to the method to be easily changed by
changing the mold insert to a different mold insert that has a
different pattern of protrusions. For example, the method may
further comprise, prior to conforming the first polymeric sheet and
the second polymeric sheets to components of the mold, securing a
mold insert to a mold portion of the mold, and wherein the mold
component having the plurality of protrusions is the mold insert.
In some embodiments, the mold insert is a first mold insert, the
mold portion is a first mold portion, the plurality of bonds is a
first plurality of bonds, and the method further comprises securing
a second mold insert to a second mold portion of the mold, wherein
the second mold insert has a second plurality of protrusions
directly opposite the first plurality of protrusions and outward of
the plurality of tethers. In such an embodiment, conforming the
first and second polymeric sheets and thermally bonding the first
tensile layer to the first polymeric sheet and the second tensile
layer to the second polymeric sheet produces a second plurality of
bonds at the second plurality of protrusions partially traversing
the tensile component directly opposite the first plurality of
bonds. The second plurality of bonds protrudes toward the first
plurality of bonds and the first polymeric sheet, and is spaced
apart from the first plurality of bonds, the first tensile layer,
and the first polymeric sheet.
[0047] In one or more embodiments, the cushioning article is a
first cushioning article, and the method further comprises
manufacturing a second cushioning article by removing the mold
insert from the mold portion, and securing a second mold insert
having a second plurality of protrusions to the mold portion. The
second plurality of protrusions is shaped, dimensioned or
positioned differently than the first plurality of protrusions. The
method further comprises conforming a subsequent first polymeric
sheet and a subsequent second polymeric sheet to the second mold
insert and to another one of the components of the mold,
respectively, with a subsequent tensile component between the
subsequent first polymeric sheet and the subsequent second
polymeric sheet. Conforming the subsequent first and second
polymeric sheets in this manner depresses the subsequent first
polymeric sheet toward the subsequent second polymeric sheet at the
second plurality of protrusions, with the second plurality of
protrusions directly outward of the subsequent tensile component,
thereby producing a second plurality of bonds at the second
plurality of protrusions partially traversing the subsequent
tensile component. The mold thus provides the second cushioning
article with a different bond pattern than the first cushioning
article due to the second mold insert.
[0048] In one or more embodiments, conforming the first polymeric
sheet and the second polymeric sheet to components of the mold is
by vacuum, compression, or both. Additionally, in one or more
embodiments, thermal bonding of the first tensile layer to the
first polymeric sheet and the second tensile layer to the second
polymeric sheet includes at least one of heating the first
polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet, heating the mold
components, or radio frequency welding.
[0049] The above features and advantages and other features and
advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the
following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the
present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
[0050] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers
refer to like components throughout the views, FIG. 1 shows a
cushioning article 10 that may be manufactured according to a
method 210 of FIG. 20 and has features that provide a desirable
combination of cushioning and flexibility. The cushioning article
10 is shown and described as a cushioning article used in a sole
structure 12 of an article of footwear 14, shown in FIG. 9. The
cushioning article 10 is a full length cushioning article for a
sole structure 12, as it has a forefoot region 17A, a midfoot
region 17B, and a heel region 17C. The forefoot region 17A may be
generally associated with the toes and joints connecting the
metatarsals with the phalanges. The midfoot region 17B may be
generally associated with the arch of a foot. The heel region 17C
may be generally associated with the heel of a foot, including the
calcaneus bone. The cushioning article 10 has a lateral side 19 and
a medial side 21. In particular, the lateral side 19 and the medial
side 21 may be opposing sides of the cushioning article 10, and may
extend along the forefoot region 17A, the midfoot region 17B, and
the heel region 17C. In the embodiment of the cushioning article 10
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first polymeric sheet 16 establishes
the proximal side of the bladder 23 (i.e., the side closest to the
foot when assembled in an article of footwear). The second
polymeric sheet 18 establishes the distal side of the bladder 23
(i.e., the ground-facing side of the bladder).
[0051] In FIG. 9, the cushioning article 10 is shown at least
partially encased in a foam sole layer 11, and together the
cushioning article 10 and sole layer 11 serve as a midsole of the
sole structure 12. An outsole, an insole, and other sole components
may also be included in the sole structure 12. The cushioning
article 10 is thus a sole component. However, the cushioning
article 10 or other cushioning articles manufactured according to
the method 210 may be used in other articles, such as athletic
apparel, sports equipment, furniture, and floor mats. For example,
the cushioning article may be for a backpack strap, a helmet
cushion, a shin guard, a baseball glove, a seat cushion, or a floor
mat.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the cushioning article 10 includes a
bladder 23 having a first polymeric sheet 16 and a second polymeric
sheet 18 bonded to one another at a peripheral bond 20 to enclose
an interior cavity 22. When the sheets 16, 18 are bonded together
at the peripheral bond 20 and any inflation port 82 is sealed, the
first polymeric sheet 16 and the second polymeric sheet 18 retain a
fluid in the interior cavity 22. As used herein, a "fluid" filling
the interior cavity 22 may be a gas, such as air, nitrogen, another
gas, or a combination thereof.
[0053] The first and second polymeric sheets 16, 18 can be a
variety of polymeric materials that can resiliently retain a fluid
such as nitrogen, air, or another gas. Examples of polymeric
materials for the first and second polymeric sheets 16, 18 include
thermoplastic urethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyester
polyurethane, and polyether polyurethane. Moreover, the first and
second polymeric sheets 16, 18 can each be formed of layers of
different materials including polymeric materials. In one
embodiment, each of the first and second polymeric sheets 16, 18 is
formed from thin films having one or more thermoplastic
polyurethane layers with one or more barrier layers of a copolymer
of ethylene and vinyl alcohol (EVOH) that is impermeable to the
pressurized fluid contained therein such as a flexible microlayer
membrane that includes alternating layers of a gas barrier material
and an elastomeric material, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,082,025 and 6,127,026 to Bonk et al. which are incorporated by
reference in their entireties. Alternatively, the layers may
include ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, thermoplastic
polyurethane, and a regrind material of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol
copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane. Additional suitable
materials for the first and second polymeric sheets 16, 18 are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,183,156 and 4,219,945 to Rudy which
are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Further suitable
materials for the first and second polymeric sheets 16, 18 include
thermoplastic films containing a crystalline material, as disclosed
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,936,029 and 5,042,176 to Rudy, and polyurethane
including a polyester polyol, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,013,340, 6,203,868, and 6,321,465 to Bonk et al. which are
incorporated by reference in their entireties. In selecting
materials for the cushioning article 10, engineering properties
such as tensile strength, stretch properties, fatigue
characteristics, dynamic modulus, and loss tangent can be
considered. For example, the thicknesses of the first and second
polymeric sheets 16, 18 used to form the cushioning article 10 can
be selected to provide these characteristics.
[0054] As best shown in FIG. 3, the cushioning article 10 includes
a tensile component 30 disposed in the interior cavity 22. The
tensile component 30 includes a first tensile layer 32, a second
tensile layer 34, and a plurality of tethers 36 spanning the
interior cavity 22 from the first tensile layer 32 to the second
tensile layer 34. The tethers 36 connect the first tensile layer 32
to the second tensile layer 34. Only some of the tethers 36 are
indicated with reference numbers in FIG. 3. The tethers 36 may also
be referred to as fabric tensile members or threads, and may be in
the form of drop threads that connect the first tensile layer 32
and the second tensile layer 34. The tensile component 30 may be
formed as a unitary, one-piece textile element having a spacer-knit
textile. It should be appreciated that the first tensile layer 32
and the second tensile layer 34 are permeable by the gas in the
interior cavity. As such, the interior cavity 22 extends through
the first tensile layer 32 and the second tensile layer 34, in
between and around the tethers 36, from the inner surface of the
first polymeric sheet 16 to the inner surface of the second
polymeric sheet 18. The tensile layers 32, 34 are not subjected to
outward forces by the gas in the interior cavity where the tensile
layers are not bonded to the first and second polymeric sheets 16,
18. Accordingly, tethers 36B that extend between the portions of
the tensile layer 32, 34 that are not bonded to the polymeric
sheets 16, 18 (e.g., the portions of the tensile layers 32, 34 that
are inward of the domed portions) may not be in tension. However,
tethers 36A that extend between the portions of the tensile layers
32, 34 bonded to the polymeric sheets 16, 18 (e.g., at
inwardly-protruding bonds 50) are subjected to tension under a
sufficiently inflation pressure of the interior cavity 22.
[0055] Anti-weld material 48 is applied to selected areas of the
outer surfaces 45, 47, respectively, of the first and second
tensile layers 32, 34 as best shown in FIG. 15. For example,
anti-weld material may be ink jet printed everywhere except at
areas where protrusions of mold components used during
thermoforming of the cushioning article 10 cause
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 of the first polymeric sheet 16 and
the second polymeric sheet 18, as further explained herein. The
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 of the first polymeric sheet 16 are
also referred to as a first plurality of bonds. Alternatively,
anti-weld material may be applied even where the bonds 50 are
desired, if the anti-weld material is not activated. The anti-weld
material 48, if activated, prevents the inner surfaces 42, 46 of
the first and second polymeric sheets 16, 18 from bonding to the
outer surfaces 45, 47 of the tensile component 30 during the
manufacturing method 210 described herein. The first tensile layer
32 is bonded to an inner surface 42 of the first polymeric sheet 16
at the inwardly-protruding bonds 50. The second tensile layer 34 is
bonded to an inner surface 46 of the second polymeric sheet 18 at
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 as best shown in FIG. 3. The
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 of the second polymeric sheet 18 are
also referred to as a second plurality of bonds. The first
plurality of bonds 50 are in a first region of the bladder 23
(e.g., on the proximal side in each of the forefoot, midfoot, and
heel regions), and the second plurality of bonds 50 are in a second
region of the bladder 23 (e.g., on the distal side in each of the
forefoot, midfoot, and heel regions).
[0056] The tethers 36 restrain separation of the first and second
polymeric sheets 16, 18 to the maximum separated positions shown in
FIG. 3 under a given inflation pressure of gas in the interior
cavity 22. The outward force of pressurized gas in the interior
cavity 22 on the inner surfaces 42, 46 of the first and second
polymeric sheets 16, 18 places the tethers 36A at the
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 in tension, and the tethers 36 prevent
the tensile layers 32, 34 and polymeric sheets 16, 18 from further
outward movement away from one another. However, the tethers 36 do
not present resistance to compression when under a compressive
load. When pressure is exerted on the cushioning article 10 such as
due to a force of a dynamic impact of a wearer during running or
other movements, the cushioning article 10 is compressed, and the
polymeric sheets 16, 18 move closer together with the tethers 36
collapsing (i.e., going slack) in proportion to the pressure
exerted on the first and second polymeric sheets 16, 18 adjacent
the particular tethers 36.
[0057] Prior to bonding to the first and second polymeric sheets
16, 18 according to the method 210 disclosed herein, the tethers 36
of the tensile component 30 may all be initial lengths, and
possibly all substantially the same length, and the first and
second tensile layers 32, 34 connected by the tethers 36 may have
generally flat outer surfaces 45, 47, respectively, directly above
the tethers 36 as shown in FIG. 15. In FIG. 15, the tethers 36 are
represented in a slackened state as FIG. 15 represents the tensile
component 30 prior to securement within a sealed, pressurized
interior cavity 22.
[0058] Under the method 210 provided herein, although the tethers
36 are originally of the same length and the outer surfaces 45, 47
of the first and second tensile layers 32, 34 and the outer
surfaces 49, 54 of the first and second polymeric sheets 16, 18,
respectively, are generally flat directly above the tethers 36
(i.e., not contoured) prior to manufacture of the cushioning
article 10, the method of manufacturing 210 produces
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 that join the first polymeric sheet 16
to the first tensile layer 32 that protrude from the first
polymeric sheet 16 toward the second polymeric sheet 18 directly
into a region of the cavity 22 occupied by some of the tethers 36.
In fact, in FIG. 3, there are multiple inwardly-protruding bonds
50.
[0059] Each bond 50 in the first polymeric sheet 16 results from a
respective protrusion 51 of a mold component 53A (best shown in
FIGS. 15 and 18 as a plurality of protrusions 51 arranged in closed
shapes) that contacts the first polymeric sheet 16 during the
method of manufacturing 210 disclosed herein. Each bond 50 in the
second polymeric sheet 18 results from a respective protrusion 51
of a mold component 53B (also shown as a plurality of protrusions
51 arranged in closed shapes) that contacts the second polymeric
sheet 18 during the method of manufacturing 210 disclosed herein
(see FIG. 15). FIG. 18 shows a representative mold component 53A
having the protrusions 51 in a first pattern that result in the
bond pattern 55A of inwardly-protruding bonds 50 of the cushioning
article 10 shown in FIG. 1. The mold component 53B is identical to
mold component 53A, and results in the same bond pattern 55A on the
second polymeric sheet 18. The mold component 53A is a first mold
insert, and may also be referred to as a shim. The mold component
53B is a second mold insert. The bonds 50 are indicated with hidden
lines in FIGS. 1 and 2 as they protrude inward from the outer
surfaces 49, 54 shown.
[0060] The bonds 50 result in depressed grooves 52 at the outer
surface 49 of the first polymeric sheet 16 and at the outer surface
54 of the second polymeric sheet 18. Only some of the bonds 50 and
some of the grooves 52 are indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2 for clarity.
As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inwardly-protruding bonds 50 on
the first polymeric sheet 16 define closed shapes surrounding
portions of the first polymeric sheet 16. The inwardly-protruding
bonds 50 on the second polymeric sheet 18 define closed shapes
surrounding portions of the second polymeric sheet 18. In the
embodiment shown, the closed shapes are polygons. For example, one
closed shape is a pentagon, and is indicated in FIG. 1 by numbering
the bonds 50 that surround and define the closed shape as bonds
50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, and 50E. The corresponding grooves 52 are
numbered as 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, and 52E.
[0061] Due to the pressure of the gas in the interior cavity 22, a
portion 16A of the first polymeric sheet 16 that is not bonded to
the first tensile layer 32 (i.e., unbonded) and is surrounded by
the bonds 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E defining the closed shape is
displaced from the first tensile layer 32 (i.e., lifted away from
the first tensile layer) such that the portion 16A of the first
polymeric sheet 16 has a domed surface 49A extending away from the
first tensile layer 32. The closed shape and domed surface 49A
indicated is only one of many closed shapes and resulting domes
surfaces at the outer surface 49 of the first polymeric sheet 16.
Additional portions with domed surfaces 49B, 49C, 49D, 49E are
indicated in FIG. 3 and may be referred to as domed portions. As is
apparent from the plan view of FIG. 1, the first polymeric sheet 16
effectively has a multitude of rounded bubble-like shapes extending
over each of the forefoot region 17A, the midfoot region 17B, and
the heel region 17C of the cushioning article 10. As used herein,
"domed" means rounded, and need not be hemispherical.
[0062] Similarly, with reference to FIG. 2, one closed shape at the
second polymeric sheet 18 is a pentagon, indicated in FIG. 2 by
numbering the bonds 50 that surround and define the closed shape as
bonds 50F, 50G, 50H, 50I, and 50J. The corresponding grooves 52 are
numbered as 52F, 52G, 52H, 52I, and 52J. Due to the pressure of the
gas in the interior cavity 22, a portion 18A of the second
polymeric sheet 18 surrounded by the bonds 50F, 50G, 50H, 50I, 50J
defining the closed shape is displaced from the second tensile
layer 34 such that the portion 18A of the second polymeric sheet 18
has a domed surface 54A extending away from the second tensile
layer 34 as best shown in FIG. 3. The closed shape and portion of
second polymeric sheet 18 with a domed surface 54A indicated is
only one of many closed shapes and resulting portions with domes
surfaces at the outer surface 54 of the second polymeric sheet 18.
Additional portions with domed surfaces 54B, 54C, 54D, 54E are
indicated in FIG. 3. As is apparent from the bottom view of FIG. 2,
the second polymeric sheet 18 effectively has a multitude of
rounded, bubble-like shapes extending over each of the forefoot
region 17A, the midfoot region 17B, and the heel region 17C of the
cushioning article 10.
[0063] Each inwardly-protruding bond 50 partially traverses the
plurality of tethers 36 as shown in FIG. 3. Stated differently, the
bonds 50 are directly outward of different ones of the tethers 36
and protrude inward on those tethers 36. The tethers 36 may be
arranged in rows, with each row extending transversely between the
tensile layers 32, 34, or in any other pattern in which the tethers
36 extend between the tensile layers 32, 34. Various different ones
of the tethers 36 are aligned with the bonds 50. An
inwardly-protruding bond 50 may traverse different rows of the
tethers 36 such that different tethers from different rows are
aligned with an inwardly-protruding bond 50, or an
inwardly-protruding bond 50 may be directly aligned with a single
row. Some of the inwardly-protruding bonds 50 could be between rows
of tethers.
[0064] With reference to FIG. 4, the plurality of tethers 36
includes tethers 36A aligned with the inwardly-protruding bonds 50
and tethers 36B displaced from the inwardly-protruding bonds 50.
Tethers 36A that are aligned with an inwardly-protruding bonds 50
are deformed by heat, by compression of the overlaying materials of
the first tensile layer 32 and the second tensile layer 34, and/or
by the overlaying material of the first tensile layer 32 and/or the
second tensile layer 34 coating the tethers 36A such that the
tethers 36A are shorter, thicker, or both shorter and thicker at
the inwardly-protruding bonds 50 than elsewhere. Such tethers are
indicated with reference numeral 36A in FIG. 4 and may be referred
to as modified tethers 36A. However, references to tethers 36
herein include tethers 36A and tethers 36B unless otherwise
specified.
[0065] When the interior cavity 22 is inflated, the modified
tethers 36A result in depressed grooves 52 in the outer surface 49
of the first polymeric sheet 16, as indicated in FIG. 3. When an
inflation pressure of the gas in the interior cavity 22 against the
inner surfaces of the polymeric sheets 16, 18 is sufficient to
cause the polymeric sheets 16, 18 to tension the tethers 36A, the
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 define the grooves 52 at the outer
surface 49 of the first polymeric sheet 16 and in the outer surface
54 of the second polymeric sheet 18. At each groove 52, the
cushioning article 10 is divided into what may be referred to as a
first article portion 61 on one side of the groove 52 and a second
article portion 62 on the other side of the groove 52, as indicated
in FIG. 4 with respect to the left-most groove 52 indicated. The
first article portion 61 is articulated relative to the second
article portion 62 along the groove 52. Stated differently, the
outer surface 49 of the first polymeric sheet 16 at a first side of
the inwardly-protruding bond 50 (the first side indicated in FIG. 4
as portion 49D of outer surface 49) is non-planar with the outer
surface 49 of the first polymeric sheet 16 at a second side of the
inwardly-protruding bond 50 (the second side indicated in FIG. 4 as
portion 49C of outer surface 49), with the second side opposite of
the first side. The outer surface 54 of the second polymeric sheet
18 at a first side of the inwardly-protruding bond 50 (the first
side indicated in FIG. 4 as portion 54D of outer surface 54) is
non-planar with the outer surface 54 of the second polymeric sheet
18 at a second side of the inwardly-protruding bond 50 (the second
side indicated in FIG. 4 as portion 54C of outer surface 54), with
the second side opposite of the first side.
[0066] The grooves 52 may act as flexion axes of the cushioning
article 10. For example, when the cushioning article 10 is included
in the sole structure 12 of the article of footwear 14 in FIG. 9,
the inwardly-protruding bonds 50 and resulting grooves 52 may
establish flexion axes of the sole structure 12. The bonds 50 may
be configured so that many of the bonds 50 fall lengthwise near or
along a common axis to establish flexion axes that may align with
joints of the foot, such as the metatarsal phalangeal joints,
thereby increasing flexibility of the sole structure 12. Various
flexion axes F1, F2 are indicated in FIG. 1. Flexion axes increase
flexibility of the cushioning article 10. In some embodiments, some
of the bonds 50 may be aligned in a straight line from the medial
side to the lateral side of the cushioning article, creating a
flexion axis that extends transversely across the entire cushioning
article.
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, each inwardly-protruding bond 50
at the first polymeric sheet 16 is spaced apart from the second
polymeric sheet 18, and each inwardly-protruding bond 50 at the
second polymeric sheet 18 is spaced apart from the first polymeric
sheet 16 such that the interior cavity 22 is narrowed but not
closed at the inwardly-protruding bonds 50. Gas in the interior
cavity 22 can thus fluidly communicate across any of the
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 (i.e., between a bond 50 on the first
polymeric sheet 16 and a corresponding bond 50 on the second
polymeric sheet 18). As shown in FIG. 4, the first tensile layer 32
is spaced apart from the second tensile layer 34 by a first
distance D1 at a location adjacent to the inwardly-protruding bond
50, and the inwardly-protruding bond 50 at the first polymeric
sheet 16 and the first tensile layer 32 is spaced apart from the
inwardly-protruding bond 50 at the second polymeric sheet 18 and
the second tensile layer 34 by a second distance D2. The first
distance D1 may be the distance between the tensile layers 32, 34
at the tethers 36B that are not the modified tethers 36A. The
second distance D2 may be the minimum distance between the
corresponding inwardly-protruding bonds 50 at the modified tethers
36A (i.e., the distance at the most narrowed portion of the
interior cavity 22 between corresponding bonds 50 of the first and
second polymeric sheets 16, 18). In an embodiment, the method of
manufacturing 210 may be controlled so that the second distance D2
is between 50 percent and 80 percent of the first distance D1.
Bonds 50 in this range of depth may create the most desirable
amount of articulation. For example, factors that may influence the
bond 50 and the extent of its protrusion toward the opposite first
or second polymeric sheet 16, 18 can be controlled to provide this
desired ratio of the second distance D2 to the first distance D1.
Such factors may include the depth of the protrusion 51 that
creates the bond 50, the temperature of the mold insert 53 or other
mold components, the temperature of the components of the
cushioning article 10, vacuum and/or inflation pressures in the
mold cavity during manufacturing, the power of weld frequency if
radio frequency welding is used, and other factors.
[0068] Accordingly, a portion 22A of the interior cavity 22 at a
first side of corresponding inwardly-protruding bonds 50 is in
fluid communication with a portion 22B of the interior cavity 22 at
a second side of the corresponding inwardly-protruding bonds 50,
with the second side opposite of the first side, as indicated in
FIG. 4. The modified tethers 36A shown extending under the
corresponding bonds 50 between the two portions 22A, 22B are narrow
in diameter and allow gas to flow around and between the tethers
36A from the portion 22A to the portion 22B and vice versa. This
allows the gas to be displaced from the portion 22A to the portion
22B and from portion 22B to portion 22A when compressive forces are
applied to the cushioning article 10, such as during impact of the
article of footwear 14 with the ground Gin FIG. 9. For example, as
a foot rolls forward from heel to toe during a foot strike, the gas
may be displaced from rearward in the cushioning article 10 to a
portion more forward in the cushioning article 10. Supportive
cushioning provided by the interior cavity 22 can thus be provided
in areas most needed during use of the cushioning article 10.
[0069] FIGS. 5-7 show stages of compression of the cushioning
article 10 under compressive force F applied normal to the domed
surfaces of the first and second polymeric sheets 16, 18, such as
under dynamic compressive loading during a foot strike when the
cushioning article is a sole component of the sole structure 12 of
FIG. 9. During initial loading, the portions with domed surfaces
49B, 49C, 49D and 54B, 54C, 54D begin to flatten, and the gas in
the interior cavity 22 becomes more pressurized as the volume of
the cavity 22 decreases, as depicted by the changes to the
cushioning article 10 from FIG. 5 to FIG. 6. Under continued
loading, the domed surfaces may completely flatten, and the first
and second polymeric sheets 16, 18 contact the first and second
tensile components 32, 34 between the bonds 50. With even further
loading the shortened tethers 36A will collapse. When the dynamic
compressive forces F are removed, the tethers 36A will return to a
tensioned state, and the portions of the first and second polymeric
sheets 16, 18 between the closed shapes of the bonds 50 will return
to their domed shapes.
[0070] FIGS. 10-11 show another embodiment of a cushioning article
110. The cushioning article 110 has many of the same features as
cushioning article 10, and these are shown with like reference
numbers and are as described with respect to the cushioning article
10. The sheets 16, 18 form a bladder 123, with the first polymeric
sheet establishing the proximal side of the bladder 123 and the
second polymeric sheet 18 establishing the distal side of the
bladder 123. In the cushioning article 110, anti-weld material is
applied only forward of a representative dividing line 113 on the
first and second polymeric sheets 16, 18 and/or on the tensile
layers 32, 34 where bonding is not desired. Accordingly, as
indicated in FIGS. 12 and 14, the first and second polymeric sheets
16, 18 have portions with inner surfaces 42, 46 that are surrounded
by a first plurality of bonds 50 arranged in closed shapes, and are
displaced from the outer surfaces 45, 47 of the adjacent first and
second tensile layers 32, 34, respectively, forming the domed
surfaces 49F, 49G, 54F, 54G, etc., only in a first region of the
first polymeric sheet 16, which is the region forward of the
dividing line 113.
[0071] In a second region of the first polymeric sheet 16, which is
a region rearward of the dividing line 113 in FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and
14, the inner surface 42 of the first polymeric sheet 16 is bonded
to an outer surface 45 of the first tensile layer 32 at surface
bonds 40, and the inner surface 46 of the second polymeric sheet 18
is bonded to the outer surface 47 of the second tensile layer 34 at
surface bonds 44. A mold is used so that protrusions 51 contact the
only first polymeric sheet 16 in the second region. A second
plurality of inwardly-protruding bonds 50 arranged in closed shapes
are formed at the first polymeric sheet 16 in the second region,
but not in the second polymeric sheet 18 in the second region. When
the interior cavity 22 is inflated, the modified tethers 36A result
in depressed grooves 52 in the outer surface 49 of the first
polymeric sheet 16 and in the outer surface 54 of the second
polymeric sheet 18 at the inwardly-protruding bonds 50. When an
inflation pressure of the gas in the interior cavity 22 is
sufficient to tension the plurality of tethers 36A at the
inwardly-protruding bonds 50, the inwardly-protruding bonds 50
define grooves 52 at the outer surface 49 of the first polymeric
sheet 16 and at the outer surface 54 of the second polymeric sheet
18. Although the first and the second pluralities of bonds 50 are
shown on the first polymeric sheet 16 on the proximal side, the
cushioning article 110 could be used in an article of footwear with
the first polymeric sheet on the distal side.
[0072] The tension of the modified tethers 36A also causes recesses
56 in the outer surface 54 of the second polymeric sheet 18
opposite each of the inwardly-protruding bonds 50 of the first
polymeric sheet 16. The second polymeric sheet 18 is recessed
inward toward a corresponding groove 52 and inwardly-protruding
bond 50 at each recess 56 when the interior cavity 22 is inflated.
The grooves 52 are generally deeper than the recesses 56, which may
cause the cushioning article 10 to be articulated in the second
region even when not under a compressive load, as the cushioning
article 10 curves slightly upward at each groove 52. Stated
differently, the physical deformation of the first polymeric sheet
16 and the first tensile layer 32 combined with the tension of the
modified tethers 36A will cause the grooves 52 to be deeper than
the recesses 56, which result only from the tension of the
shortened modified tethers 36A. Accordingly, the second region of
the cushioning article 10 may have an articulated shape, such as
when not under loading at the grooves 52, as shown in FIG. 14,
where the second region is slightly curved upward from the
horizontal line H. Additionally, the grooves 52 and recesses 56
together encourage articulation of the cushioning article 10 to
occur at the grooves 52, as the overall thickness of the cushioning
article 10 is reduced at the grooves 52, decreasing bending
stiffness of the cushioning article at the grooves 52. In contrast,
the cushioning article 10 that has grooves 52 on both sides due to
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 at both the first and second polymeric
sheets 16, 18 remains more level and less articulated than the
cushioning article 110 when not under loading, but, like cushioning
article 110, encourages articulation at the grooves 52.
[0073] Due to the surface bonds 40, any rounding or doming of the
polymeric sheet 16 at the closed shapes surrounded by
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 is lessened, and does not include any
displacement of the first polymeric sheet 16 from the first tensile
layer 32. In FIG. 14, the first and second tensile layers 32, 34
are indicated with hidden lines following the contours of the first
and second polymeric sheets 16, 18 in the second region, and are
intended to indicate that the inner surfaces 42, 46 are bonded to
the outer surfaces 45, 47 in the entirety of the second region. As
shown in FIG. 12, at a first inwardly-protruding bond 50K, the
interior cavity 22 is narrowed but not closed, so gas can
communicate across the bond 50K and the corresponding bond 50 of
the second polymeric sheet 18. At a second inwardly-protruding bond
50L in the second region, the interior cavity 22 is narrowed but
not closed, so gas can communicate across the bond 50L and a
corresponding bond 50 of the second polymeric sheet 18.
[0074] FIG. 15 shows the components of the cushioning article 10 in
an exploded view and positioned between components of a mold 66.
More specifically, the components of mold 66 (also referred to
herein as mold components) include a first mold portion 66A, a
second mold portion 66B, a first mold insert 53A, and a second mold
insert 53B. The components of the mold necessary to manufacture the
cushioning article 110 are the same except that the second mold
insert 53B would not have protrusions 51 as no inwardly-protruding
bonds are created at the second polymeric sheet 18 in the
cushioning article 110. Alternatively, the second mold portion 66B
could be modified so that no mold insert is necessary, and the mold
surface contacting the outer surface 54 of the second polymeric
sheet 18 has no protrusions 51. FIG. 16 shows the components of the
cushioning article 10 in a mold cavity 68 of the mold 66 defined by
the mold components with the mold 66 in a closed position. Although
the polymeric sheets 16, 18 are in contact with the tensile
components 32, 34 in the mold 66, anti-weld material prevents
bonding of the polymeric sheets 16, 18 to the tensile components
32, 34 where the anti-weld material is disposed.
[0075] FIGS. 21-24 show another embodiment of a cushioning article
310. The cushioning article 310 has many of the same features as
cushioning articles 10 and 110, and these are shown with like
reference numbers and are as described with respect to the
cushioning article 310. In the cushioning article 310, anti-weld
material is applied to the inner surfaces of only the second
polymeric sheet 18 and/or on the tensile layer 34. Accordingly, as
indicated in FIG. 23, the first polymeric sheet 16 is at a proximal
side of the cushioning article 310 and has a plurality of bonds 50
(referred to as a second plurality of bonds) in a second region of
the bladder 323 which is the entire forefoot region 17A, midfoot
region 17B, and heel region 17C on a distal side of the bladder 323
(defining closed shapes, and portions surrounded by the closed
shapes having surface bonds 40 to the first tensile layer 32. The
second polymeric sheet 18 has portions with a first plurality of
bonds 50 arranged in closed shapes surrounding portions with inner
surfaces 46 that are displaced from the outer surface 47 of the
adjacent second tensile layer 34, forming the domed surfaces 54F,
54G, 54H, 54I, 54J, etc., in a first region of the second polymeric
sheet 18, which is the entire forefoot region 17A, midfoot region
17B, and heel region 17C on a distal side of the bladder 23.
[0076] In a second region of the first polymeric sheet 16, which is
a region rearward of the dividing line 113 in FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and
14, the inner surface 42 of the first polymeric sheet 16 is bonded
to an outer surface 45 of the first tensile layer 32 at surface
bonds 40, and the inner surface 46 of the second polymeric sheet 18
is bonded to the outer surface 47 of the second tensile layer 34 at
surface bonds 44. A mold is used so that protrusions 51 contact the
only first polymeric sheet 16 in the second region.
Inwardly-protruding bonds 50 are formed at the first polymeric
sheet 16 in the second region, but not in the second polymeric
sheet 18 in the second region. When the interior cavity 22 is
inflated, the modified tethers 36A result in depressed grooves 52
in the outer surface 49 of the first polymeric sheet 16 and in the
outer surface 54 of the second polymeric sheet 18 at the
inwardly-protruding bonds 50. When an inflation pressure of the gas
in the interior cavity 22 is sufficient to tension the plurality of
tethers 36A at the inwardly-protruding bonds 50, the
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 define grooves 52 at the outer surface
49 of the first polymeric sheet 16 and at the outer surface 54 of
the second polymeric sheet 18.
[0077] A method 210 of manufacturing a cushioning article, such as
cushioning article 10, 110, or 310 is shown in the flow chart of
FIG. 20, and is described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. The
method 210 may begin with block 211, disposing anti-weld material
on the inner surface of the first polymeric sheet 16, or on the
outer surface of the first tensile layer 32. In manufacturing the
cushioning article 110, the anti-weld material would only be
disposed forward of the dividing line 113, such as in the first
region of the first polymeric sheet 16. In manufacturing the
cushioning article 10, the method also includes block 212,
disposing anti-weld material on the inner surface of the second
polymeric sheet 18 or on the outer surface of the second tensile
layer 34. In manufacturing cushioning article 110, block 212 may be
omitted for some regions of the polymeric sheet 18 as discussed
herein. In manufacturing cushioning article 310, block 211 may be
omitted. The anti-weld material disposed in blocks 211 and 212 is
not disposed in locations where bonds 50 are desired. For example,
the anti-weld material may be disposed forward of dividing line 113
as described, but avoiding the areas of the sheets 16, 18 and the
tensile layers 32, 34 where bonds are desired. The correct
placement of anti-weld material to achieve this may be by ink-jet
printing the correct pattern on the surfaces of the sheets 16, 18
and/or tensile layers. Alternatively, the anti-weld material may be
disposed at locations where bonds are desired, if it is not
activated at those locations.
[0078] In block 213, a first mold insert 53A with a first
protrusion pattern 55A (i.e., the pattern of protrusions 51
arranged in closed shapes) is secured to the first mold portion
66A, as best shown in FIG. 18. For example, as indicated in FIG.
15, the first mold insert 53A has openings 70 that receive
fasteners 72. The fasteners 72 extend into openings 74 in the first
mold portion 66A to secure the first mold insert 53A to the first
mold portion 66A. The openings 74 are in a recess 75 of the first
mold portion 66A, and the mold insert 53A fits within the recess 75
so that the surface 76 is flush with adjacent surfaces 78 of the
first mold portion 66A. The openings 70, 74 and the fasteners 72
may be threaded, for example. When disposed as set forth in block
212, the mold insert 53A is therefore in and partially defines the
mold cavity 68.
[0079] When manufacturing the cushioning article 10 or 310, a
second mold insert 53B having a plurality of protrusions 51
arranged in closed shapes will be secured to the second mold
portion 66B in block 214 in the same manner as first mold insert
53A is secured to first mold portion 66A. For some configurations,
the first and second mold portions 66A, 66B may be configured with
the plurality of protrusions 51 arranged in closed shapes such that
no mold inserts 53A, 53B need be used. However, the use of mold
inserts 53A, 53B allows the same mold portions 66A, 66B to be used
in manufacturing cushioning articles with different bond patterns
simply by changing either or both mold inserts 53A, 53B for those
with an alternative pattern of protrusions. When manufacturing the
cushioning article 110, no protrusions are necessary adjacent the
second polymeric sheet 18 rearward of line 113 as no
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 are created in the second polymeric
sheet 18 in this region. Accordingly, in manufacturing the
cushioning article 110, the second mold portion 66B configured to
align rearward of line 113 may be provided without protrusions and
with a surface configured to shape the outer surface of the second
polymeric sheet 18.
[0080] Next, in block 215, prior to disposing the components of the
cushioning article 10 into the open mold cavity 68, the components
of the cushioning article 10 (or cushioning article 110 or 310),
the mold components 53A, 53B, 66A, 66B, or both, may be pre-heated
to help expedite the subsequent thermoforming that occurs via the
combined blocks 218, 220.
[0081] In block 216, the first and second polymeric sheets 16, 18
and the tensile component 30 are then disposed in the mold cavity
68, with the first tensile layer 32 positioned adjacent the first
polymeric sheet 16, the second tensile layer 34 positioned adjacent
the second polymeric sheet 18, and the plurality of tethers 36
connecting the first tensile layer to the second tensile layer.
Block 216 may comprise placing first and second polymeric sheets
16, 18 and the tensile component 30 between the open mold portions
66A, 66B. This may be accomplished by the use of shuttle frames
(not shown) that separately hold the various components of the
cushioning article 10, 110, or 310 in alignment with one another
and with the mold components 66A, 66B, 53A, 53B, as shown in FIG.
15. When manufacturing the cushioning article 110, the first and
second polymeric sheets 16, 18 may already by bonded to the
respective tensile layers 32, 34 of the tensile component 30
rearward of the dividing line 113 when placed in the mold cavity
68, such as by lamination or by the use of adhesive. Alternatively,
as shown in FIG. 15, the first and second polymeric sheets 16, 18
may not yet be bonded to the tensile component 30. Once the
components of the cushioning article 10, 110, or 310 are positioned
in the mold cavity 68, one or both of the mold components 66A, 66B
is translated toward the other mold component to close the mold
cavity 68.
[0082] Next, in block 218, the first polymeric sheet 16 and the
second polymeric sheet 18 are conformed to components of the mold
66, as shown in FIG. 16. For example, the outer surface 49 of the
first polymeric sheet 16 is conformed to the surface 76 of the mold
insert 53A. The surface 76 includes the plurality of protrusions
51. Portions of the outer surface 49 of the first polymeric sheet
16 are conformed directly to the mold surface 78 of the first mold
portion 66A adjacent to the first mold insert 53A. Conforming of
the first polymeric sheet 16 to the surface 76, including the
plurality of protrusions 51, depresses the first polymeric sheet 16
toward the second polymeric sheet 18 at the plurality of
protrusions 51, with the plurality of protrusions 51 directly
outward of some of the plurality of tethers 36. In block 218, the
outer surface 54 of the second polymeric sheet 18 is also conformed
to the surface 77 of the second mold insert 53B and to the mold
surface 79 of the second mold portion 66B adjacent to the second
mold insert 53B, indicated in FIG. 16. Conforming the polymeric
sheets 16, 18 to the surfaces of the mold inserts 53A, 53B and the
mold portions 66A, 66B may include applying a vacuum to the mold
cavity 68 to pull the polymeric sheets 16, 18 against the surfaces
76, 77, 78, 79. Alternatively or in addition, conforming the
polymeric sheets 16, 18 to the surfaces may include pressurizing
the mold cavity 68, thereby compressing the polymeric sheets 16, 18
against the surfaces 76, 77, 78, 79.
[0083] After or contemporaneously with the first and second
polymeric sheets 16, 18 conforming to the surfaces 76, 77, 78, 79
in block 218, the first tensile layer 32 may be thermally bonded to
the first polymeric sheet 16 and the second tensile layer 34 may be
thermally bonded to the second polymeric sheet 18 opposite the
first tensile layer 32 in block 220. The heating of the polymeric
sheets 16, 18, the tensile layers 32, 34, and/or the mold
components 53A, 53B, 66A, 66B in addition to the vacuum and/or
pressurization of the mold cavity 68 enables the thermal bonding at
the surface bonds 40, 44 and the inwardly-protruding bonds 50. When
the components of the cushioning article 10 are cooled, the bonds
40, 44, 50 remain. Conforming in block 218 and thermally bonding in
block 220 may be referred to as thermoforming, and produces the
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 at the protrusions 51 that join the
first polymeric sheet 16 and the first tensile layer 32 and
partially traverse the plurality of tethers 36, with the
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 protruding toward the second polymeric
sheet 18 but remaining spaced apart from the second tensile layer
34 and the second polymeric sheet 18 as described with respect to
FIG. 3.
[0084] The thermal bonding of block 220 may include heating the
first polymeric sheet 16 and the second polymeric sheet 18 prior to
disposing the first polymeric sheet 16 and the second polymeric
sheet 18 in the mold cavity 68. Alternatively or in addition, the
thermal bonding may include heating one or more of the mold
components 53A, 53B, 66A, 66B, or radio frequency welding via the
mold 66.
[0085] Following block 220 or contemporaneously with block 220, the
method 210 may include block 222, bonding the first polymeric sheet
16 to the second polymeric sheet 18 at the peripheral bond 20 such
that the first polymeric sheet 16 and the second polymeric sheet 18
at least partially enclose the interior cavity 22 containing the
tensile component 30. For example, bonding the first polymeric
sheet 16 and the second polymeric sheet 18 at the peripheral bond
20 in block 222 may include compressing the first polymeric sheet
16 and the second polymeric sheet 18 between the first mold portion
66A and the second mold portion 66B in the closed position, as
shown in FIG. 16. A small portion of the periphery of the first and
second polymeric sheets 16, 18 can be left unbonded, such as at an
inflation port 82 molded into the sheets in blocks 218 and 220.
[0086] After block 222, the mold cavity 68 may be opened in block
224 by translating one or both of the mold portions 66A, 66B away
from one another. The cushioning article 10 can then be removed
from the mold cavity 68 in block 226.
[0087] In block 228, the interior cavity 22 can be inflated to a
desired inflation pressure, such as through the inflation port 82
of FIG. 1. For example, a fill tube may fit into the inflation port
82 or may be integrally formed by the sheets 16, 18 at the
inflation port 82. Prior to or after inflating the interior cavity
22 in block 228, excess material of the sheets 16, 18 around the
peripheral bond 20 can be trimmed. Gas, such as air, can be
dispensed from a pressurized source or pumped into the interior
cavity 22 through the inflation port 82 from a pressurized source.
In some embodiments, the interior cavity 22 is not inflated, but
instead simply retains gas at atmospheric pressure.
[0088] The interior cavity 22 is sealed in block 230. In the
embodiment shown, this may be accomplished by sealing the inflation
port 82, such as by thermally bonding the sheets 16, 18 to one
another at the inflation port 82, adhering the sheets 16, 18 to one
another at the inflation port 82, or plugging the inflation port
82. In FIG. 1, the sheets 16, 18 and any fill tube is already
trimmed, and the inflation port 82 is sealed. The cushioning
article 10, 110, or 310 is completely manufactured once block 230
is completed, and is ready to be assembled in the article of
footwear 14. If the interior cavity 22 is inflated to a sufficient
pressure, portions of the polymeric sheet 16 and/or 18 of the
cushioning article 10, 110, or 310 that forms domed portions with
domed surfaces 49A-49D, 54A-54J, etc., and the plurality of tethers
36A at the bonds 50 are tensioned, creating the grooves 52 in the
outer surface 49 of the first polymeric sheet 16 and at the outer
surface 54 of the second polymeric sheet 18 at the
inwardly-protruding bonds 50, thereby articulating the cushioning
article 10, 110, or 310 as discussed with respect to FIG. 6, with
the grooves 52 establishing flexion axes.
[0089] It should be appreciated that, although in FIGS. 15-16 the
mold component having the protrusions 51 that create the
inwardly-protruding bonds 50 is a mold insert 53A and/or 53B,
either or both of the mold portions 66A, 66B could have one or more
protrusions, and no mold insert need be used. However, the use of
mold inserts may allow the production of cushioning articles having
different bond patterns with lower tooling expense. For example,
the same mold portions 66A, 66B may be used with a different
tooling insert having a different pattern of protrusions to produce
cushioning articles with different bond patterns. For example, FIG.
19 shows a different mold insert 53AA with a different pattern 55AA
of protrusions 51. The protrusions 51 of the mold insert 53AA are
shaped, dimensioned, or positioned differently than the protrusions
51 of the first mold insert 53A such that the pattern of
protrusions 51 of mold insert 53AA is different than the first
pattern of protrusions of mold insert 53A.
[0090] After manufacturing the cushioning article having a first
bond pattern (i.e., a first pattern of inwardly-protruding bonds
corresponding to the first pattern of protrusions of the first mold
insert 53A), the method 210 may include block 232, removing the
first mold insert 53A from the mold cavity 68. Then, in block 234,
the different mold insert 53AA may be secured to the mold portion
66A, using fasteners 72 extending through openings 70, 74 as
described with respect to the mold insert 53A. Mold insert 53B may
also be replaced with a different mold insert with a different
pattern of protrusions. With the mold insert 53AA now disposed in
the mold cavity 68, and potentially a different mold insert secured
to mold portion 66B and disposed in the cavity 68, blocks 211 to
230 of the method 210 can now be repeated to manufacture a second
cushioning article that is a full length sole component having a
different bond pattern than the first full length sole component
produced using mold inserts 53A, 53B the different bond pattern
being a pattern of inwardly-protruding bonds 50 as described
herein, but corresponding to the different pattern of protrusions
of the different mold insert 53AA, for example.
[0091] For example, in repeating blocks 211 to 230, block 216 is
repeated by disposing a subsequent first polymeric sheet 16, a
subsequent second polymeric sheet 18, and a subsequent tensile
component 30 in the mold cavity 68 with the subsequent tensile
component between the subsequent first polymeric sheet and the
subsequent second polymeric sheet. Block 218 is repeated by
conforming the subsequent first polymeric sheet to the different
mold insert 53AA and the subsequent second polymeric sheet to a
different mold insert or to another one of the mold components
(e.g., a mold component similar to mold component 66B),
respectively, the conforming depressing the subsequent first
polymeric sheet toward the subsequent second polymeric sheet at the
second protrusion 51 (i.e., at one of the protrusions 51 of the
different mold insert 53AA), with the second protrusion directly
outward of the subsequent tensile component. For example, block 220
is repeated, thermally bonding the first tensile layer of the
subsequent tensile component to the subsequent first polymeric
sheet and the second tensile layer of the subsequent tensile
component to the subsequent second polymeric sheet to produce a
second inwardly-protruding bond 50 at the second protrusion
partially traversing the subsequent tensile component. The same
mold portions and mold cavity thus provide a second cushioning
article with a different bond pattern than the first cushioning
article due to the different mold insert 53AA, and simply by
removing the first mold insert 53A and replacing it with the
different mold insert 53AA, and, when manufacturing a cushioning
article with inwardly-protruding bonds 50 at the second polymeric
sheet 18, such as cushioning article 10, potentially replacing the
second mold insert 53B with a different mold insert.
[0092] To assist and clarify the description of various
embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise
indicated, the following definitions apply throughout this
specification (including the claims). Additionally, all references
referred to are incorporated herein in their entirety.
[0093] An "article of footwear", a "footwear article of
manufacture", and "footwear" may be considered to be both a machine
and a manufacture. Assembled, ready to wear footwear articles
(e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.), as well as discrete components
of footwear articles (such as a midsole, an outsole, an upper
component, etc.) prior to final assembly into ready to wear
footwear articles, are considered and alternatively referred to
herein in either the singular or plural as "article(s) of footwear"
or "footwear".
[0094] "A", "an", "the", "at least one", and "one or more" are used
interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is
present. A plurality of such items may be present unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of
parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this
specification, unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in
view of the context, including the appended claims, are to be
understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about"
whether or not "about" actually appears before the numerical value.
"About" indicates that the stated numerical value allows some
slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value;
approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the
imprecision provided by "about" is not otherwise understood in the
art with this ordinary meaning, then "about" as used herein
indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods
of measuring and using such parameters. As used in the description
and the accompanying claims, unless stated otherwise, a value is
considered to be "approximately" equal to a stated value if it is
neither more than 5 percent greater than nor more than 5 percent
less than the stated value. In addition, a disclosure of a range is
to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further
divided ranges within the range.
[0095] The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are
inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features,
steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, steps,
operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes,
and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or
alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification,
the term "or" includes any one and all combinations of the
associated listed items. The term "any of" is understood to include
any possible combination of referenced items, including "any one
of" the referenced items. The term "any of" is understood to
include any possible combination of referenced claims of the
appended claims, including "any one of" the referenced claims.
[0096] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may
be employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to
the illustrated embodiments. Those having ordinary skill in the art
will recognize that terms such as "above", "below", "upward",
"downward", "top", "bottom", etc., may be used descriptively
relative to the figures, without representing limitations on the
scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.
[0097] The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending a
length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of an
article of footwear extends between a forefoot region and a heel
region of the article of footwear. The term "forward" or "anterior"
is used to refer to the general direction from a heel region toward
a forefoot region, and the term "rearward" or "posterior" is used
to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the
forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component
may be identified with a longitudinal axis as well as a forward and
rearward longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal
direction or axis may also be referred to as an anterior-posterior
direction or axis.
[0098] The term "transverse" refers to a direction extending a
width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of an
article of footwear extends between a lateral side and a medial
side of the article of footwear. The transverse direction or axis
may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a
mediolateral direction or axis.
[0099] The term "vertical" refers to a direction generally
perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For
example, in cases where a sole structure is planted flat on a
ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground
surface upward. It will be understood that each of these
directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a
sole structure. The term "upward" or "upwards" refers to the
vertical direction pointing towards a top of the component, which
may include an instep, a fastening region and/or a throat of an
upper. The term "downward" or "downwards" refers to the vertical
direction pointing opposite the upwards direction, toward the
bottom of a component and may generally point towards the bottom of
a sole structure of an article of footwear.
[0100] The "interior" of an article of footwear, such as a shoe,
refers to portions at the space that is occupied by a wearer's foot
when the article of footwear is worn. The "inner side" of a
component refers to the side or surface of the component that is
(or will be) oriented toward the interior of the component or
article of footwear in an assembled article of footwear. The "outer
side" or "exterior" of a component refers to the side or surface of
the component that is (or will be) oriented away from the interior
of the article of footwear in an assembled article of footwear. In
some cases, other components may be between the inner side of a
component and the interior in the assembled article of footwear.
Similarly, other components may be between an outer side of a
component and the space external to the assembled article of
footwear. Further, the terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer to the
direction toward the interior of the component or article of
footwear, such as a shoe, and the terms "outward" and "outwardly"
refer to the direction toward the exterior of the component or
article of footwear, such as the shoe. In addition, the term
"proximal" refers to a direction that is nearer a center of a
footwear component, or is closer toward a foot when the foot is
inserted in the article of footwear as it is worn by a user.
Likewise, the term "distal" refers to a relative position that is
further away from a center of the footwear component or is further
from a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear as
it is worn by a user. Thus, the terms proximal and distal may be
understood to provide generally opposing terms to describe relative
spatial positions.
[0101] While various embodiments have been described, the
description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and
it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many
more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within
the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be
used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or
element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted.
Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in
light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various
modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the
attached claims.
[0102] While several modes for carrying out the many aspects of the
present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar
with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various
alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are
within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all
matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and
exemplary of the entire range of alternative embodiments that an
ordinarily skilled artisan would recognize as implied by,
structurally and/or functionally equivalent to, or otherwise
rendered obvious based upon the included content, and not as
limited solely to those explicitly depicted and/or described
embodiments.
* * * * *